Why is reading important?

Reading is a basic building block that gives children the tools they need to engage in a lifetime of learning. From kindergarten through 3rd grade, children are learning to read. From 4th grade on – they’re reading to learn.

One in three American 4th graders score “below basic” in national assessments. That means they can barely read at all!

You can find further information on South Carolina’s educational data HERE.

A person who is not at least a moderately skilled reader by 3rd grade is typically less likely to catch up and more likely to NOT graduate from high school.

An adult with poor literacy skills earns, on average, 42% less than a high school graduate.